Science Sampler: Bringing scientific inquiry alive using real grass shrimp research

Journal Article | February 2010

This lesson was developed for middle school students using actual research on grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) to illustrate the process of a scientific investigation. The research was conducted at Savannah State…

Research and Teaching: Student Perceptions of the Use of Inquiry Practices in a Biology Survey Laboratory Course

Journal Article | October 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of inquiry that students in a Biology Survey Laboratory course considered to be the most supportive of their learning at a small, rural midwestern university. When…

Deep Space Inquiry: Students become research scientists in search of novas in the Andromeda Galaxy

Journal Article | October 2003

In this student-centered research project, the students used images collected by telescopes to look for novas in the Andromeda Galaxy. Students were assigned a section of an image to search for novas, and by comparing…

Tried and True: Rock 'n' Roll: An Inquiry Investigation of Stone-Based Construction Materials

Journal Article | January 2013

This column provides classic demonstrations and experiments with a new twist. This month’s issue discusses an inquiry-based activity that gets students excited about a unit on rocks.

Inquiry by Design: Creating a national and state standards-based high school science program

Journal Article | September 2001

In this article, the science coordinator examines the science program and wanders if it makes sense for student learning and if it could be adapted to meet state standards. The query was taken to the department and an…

Teacher’s Toolkit: An Inquiry-Based Activity to Show the Importance of Sample Size and Random Sampling

Journal Article | March 2017

This column provides how-to strategies and practical advice for the science teacher. This article describes an inquiry-based activity that teaches students the importance of random sampling, a critical component of many…

Integrating Technology: Enhancing a Scientific Inquiry Lesson Through Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning

Journal Article | August 2017

This column shares how teachers use technology for assessment, student learning, or classroom management. This month's column describes an activity for eighth-grade classrooms that addresses energy transformation and…

Methods and Strategies: Using Argument-Based Inquiry Strategies for STEM Infused Science Teaching

Journal Article | December 2016

This column provides ideas and techniques to enhance your science teaching. This article focuses on an argument-based inquiry (ABI) approach to a fourth-grade unit on waves. A fourth-grade teacher included multiple…

Planimal House: An inquiry-oriented project in which biology students study live organisms

Journal Article | December 2000

Planimal House is a six-week-long inquiry oriented project that enables biology students to learn the secrets of nature by doing in-depth research on living creatures. It brings biology and the nature of inquiry alive!